CHAPTER THREE - The unofficial naming of the baby.
Leaning against the railing Aly looked towards the now visible coastline of Tortall. You never realise how much you miss it until you see it again. I'd forgotten how nice Pirate's Swoop looks at this time of the year. After an hour or more of watching the coast draw closer Aly returned to her cabin and started to get changed into clothes decent yet comfortable enough to take on her role as chief peace negotiator. She looked into a mirror; the tan dress with the red over coat with gold trimmings, along with the red shoes perfectly matched her hair. Picking up her daughter from the cot she quickly changed her "nappy" and returned once again to the deck.
"It's beautiful." Nawat murmured as Aly came up next to him. Aly passed their baby to Nawat then kissed him. I love that. Our baby, she thought. Nawat kissed her back and just as the kiss was deepening a loud cawing broke them off. Aly looked up and smiled, her face then changed to one of bewilderment.
"Haven't the crows won the wager? I mean Dove's on the throne." Aly asked.
"Yes but there are two explanations for their presence. They either want to protect both myself and my daughter or they have entered another wager." Nawat replied solemnly.
"Stop teasing me," Aly squealed. "I thought we were past that. But hey I'm sure there's another handsome crow-man to satisfy me. Your brother would do well…" Nawat looked horrified by the idea. Aly kissed him again then continued, "I could never replace you." She scooped her daughter out of her husband's arms, quickly kissed Nawat again then hopped off the ship and ran to greet her parents Nawat close behind.
When Aly reached her parents she greeted them both with a kiss on each cheek.
"I missed you Da, Ma."
"So this is the little lass?" George asked stealing his granddaughter out of Aly's arms. Aly nodded happy to see that her father was so taken with her.
"Wow." Alanna murmured clearly awed. "She's brimming with magic. I can't even tell what type."
"Neither can I." Said George. "Not that I would be able to if your ma can't."
"I was hoping you would be able to tell. No-one in the Isles could." Aly stated a bit disappointed. "I guess I'll have to ask Uncle Nummy."
"So, what have you named her?" Aly's mother questioned her. Aly looked down and blushed.
"Well we haven't had a naming ceremony so it's not official but… I named her after you, ma." Alanna gaped at her daughter then cuffed George on the head as he burst out laughing. Aly kissed her mothers cheek.
"I do believe she needs a change of nappies." Aly said careful to have on her most innocent face. She then quickly waltzed of to the castle.
"I'd watch out if I were you laddybuck. She'll be after you next." Alanna growled before walking after her daughter. George and Nawat brought up the rear with George carrying Alanna Jr.
"How did you convince Aly to call her Alanna?" George asked his son-in-law, amazed.
"I didn't." Nawat replied.